Meet The Irish

20 March 2003 15:18pm

By

JOHN HAYES

Debut - Feb 2000, v Scotland

Club - Shannon

Position - Prop

Date of birth - 02/11/73

Height - 6ft 4in

Weight - 20st

Caps - 32

Tries - 1

John Hayes, one of the biggest men in world rugby, was born in Limerick and did not begin his rugby career until the age of 18.The 29-year-old spent two seasons playing rugby in southern New Zealand before being called into the Ireland senior squad for the first time for the 1998 summer tour to South Africa.

Hayes didn't win his first cap until February 2000 against Scotland (Peter Stringer made his debut in the same match). Apart from being rested for a Test against the United States, he has been in the Ireland side ever since. His 32 caps have netted one try - against Romania.

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